Farmingdale Community: Help Us Get Involved

First and foremost, it was nice meeting some of my fellow Farmingdale residents/Patch readers at the . It was interesting to get a glimpse of the local groups that I'm slowly trying to wiggle my way into. As you may already know, my husband and I are relatively new to the Farmingdale area and have two boys, with the oldest entering Northside in 2012. The transition period seems like it has finally leveled off and it's time to get involved.

Unfortunately I haven't had too much luck getting my toe in the door so I'm posting a help offered/more information requested ad for the following departments:

The PTA: We are zoned for I've looked for PTA contact information however, there is none that I can see. I want to help out this coming fall so that I can get to know the school/administration before my son starts in 2012. I'm good with computers, like to write, crafty and I will move the earth to make sure I get the best for my child and their school.

The School Board: I'm an accountant, so is my husband. Something is rotten in Farmingdale. I'm not offering to balance books or going after anyone's job but something has to change. I can guarantee I won't make every meeting even if it's at 8 p.m. but given advanced agenda/meeting notice I promise to bring  feasible solutions to the table. I know it's hard to run a business (yes schools are a business) and that tough decisions must be made, but I think the School Board not only needs to tighten the purse strings but also push back a bit more on the parents make them accountable for their children's education - not a new tax or another magazine drive but asking them for ideas to get more for their kids whether it be through donated time, supplies or money.

Various developmental projects: There is the , Main Street, Downtown area, Republic Plaza... and guess what, they are all sad sad places. I've heard snippets here and there that there are revitalization projects in the works and there were/are meetings but that is all I know. How can I fight for/against something if it don't know it exists? Where are your mailing lists? Your evening meeting with advanced notice? Your websites with relevant information about the pros/cons of the situation?

My husband I and moved to Farmingdale nearly five years ago for the whole Long Island experience and we're in it for the long haul. We want to help but where do we start?  So to you my fellow neighbors, who do I need to know to get in the know?

On a side note my husband and I are not religious but are willing to help out in community based projects organized by various religious groups.  We don't have to agree with everything you believe to help our community.

Remember this is my opinion. I would love to hear your opinion, but this one is mine and I am entitled to it.